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Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries #8
The Mint Julep Murders
For Southern girl Verity Long, friendship means sitting down to stories and sweet tea on the front porch. For her gangster ghost housemate, it means dragging Verity out to a remote haunted asylum during a raging thunderstorm to do a favor for a long-dead mob boss.
But Verity is always ready to help out a friend, even one as eternally eccentric as Frankie. And in the case of Mint Julep Manor, the stakes are too high to refuse. The criminally insane mob boss holds a secret to Frankie’s past, one that might set Frankie free. Do the favor—survive the favor—and they might change Frankie’s afterlife for good. Fail, and they might never leave the asylum.
But Verity is always ready to help out a friend, even one as eternally eccentric as Frankie. And in the case of Mint Julep Manor, the stakes are too high to refuse. The criminally insane mob boss holds a secret to Frankie’s past, one that might set Frankie free. Do the favor—survive the favor—and they might change Frankie’s afterlife for good. Fail, and they might never leave the asylum.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2019
1015 people are currently reading
892 people want to read
About the author
Angie Fox
65 books2,722 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Angie Fox writes sweet, fun, action-packed mysteries. Her characters are clever and fearless, but in real life, Angie is afraid of basements, bees, and going up stairs when it is dark behind her. Let’s face it. Angie wouldn’t last five minutes in one of her books.
Angie is best known for her SOUTHERN SPIRITS™ mysteries, and for her ACCIDENTAL DEMON SLAYER books.
Visit Angie at www.angiefox.com.
Angie is best known for her SOUTHERN SPIRITS™ mysteries, and for her ACCIDENTAL DEMON SLAYER books.
Visit Angie at www.angiefox.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 301 reviews
November 10, 2019
THE MINT JULEP MURDERS by Angie Fox is the eighth book in the Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries series. This is a cozy paranormal mystery series, but this novel was much darker than previous ones.
Our protagonist is Verity Long and she can see, converse, and interact with ghosts. Additionally she has a gangster ghost housemate (Frankie) and a boyfriend (Ellis) that is a police officer. Together they visit the Mint Julep Manor, a haunted asylum undergoing renovations. One of the resident ghosts supposedly is from Frankie’s past and possibly has information that would allow Frankie to regain his memory, discover who killed him, and therefore help him move on. However, events never go as planned. Add a storm, water over the bridge, lack of electricity, no cell phone coverage and murder and what do you get? A well-written novel with more depth and darkness than many books in this sub-genre.
The story is fast-paced and pulls the reader into the story. The characters are compelling and believable (within the context of a paranormal setting). Additionally the relationships between the characters do not come across as contrived. There are plenty of internal and external conflicts that are well defined for the main characters. There are many plot twists and red herrings. The scenes progressed in a realistic manner and the author did a great job of world-building that gives the reader a clear sense of the old asylum.
Underlying the fictional story there was an underlying theme of how different people in authority at old mental hospitals thought of and treated patients. Additionally, there was some information on the type of “treatments” used many years ago and even some bizarre reasons that patients were even admitted.
I recommend that those that are interested in this series read most of the books in order. This one can be read as a stand-alone but does refer back to occurrences in previous books. Additionally, the characters grow over the course of the series. If you like cozy paranormal mystery books, then this may be a series that you would enjoy.
Many thanks to Author Collective 20 – Moose Island Books and Angie Fox for a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
Our protagonist is Verity Long and she can see, converse, and interact with ghosts. Additionally she has a gangster ghost housemate (Frankie) and a boyfriend (Ellis) that is a police officer. Together they visit the Mint Julep Manor, a haunted asylum undergoing renovations. One of the resident ghosts supposedly is from Frankie’s past and possibly has information that would allow Frankie to regain his memory, discover who killed him, and therefore help him move on. However, events never go as planned. Add a storm, water over the bridge, lack of electricity, no cell phone coverage and murder and what do you get? A well-written novel with more depth and darkness than many books in this sub-genre.
The story is fast-paced and pulls the reader into the story. The characters are compelling and believable (within the context of a paranormal setting). Additionally the relationships between the characters do not come across as contrived. There are plenty of internal and external conflicts that are well defined for the main characters. There are many plot twists and red herrings. The scenes progressed in a realistic manner and the author did a great job of world-building that gives the reader a clear sense of the old asylum.
Underlying the fictional story there was an underlying theme of how different people in authority at old mental hospitals thought of and treated patients. Additionally, there was some information on the type of “treatments” used many years ago and even some bizarre reasons that patients were even admitted.
I recommend that those that are interested in this series read most of the books in order. This one can be read as a stand-alone but does refer back to occurrences in previous books. Additionally, the characters grow over the course of the series. If you like cozy paranormal mystery books, then this may be a series that you would enjoy.
Many thanks to Author Collective 20 – Moose Island Books and Angie Fox for a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
April 25, 2019
This is usually a light fun series perhaps what some might describe as cosy mysteries. This time the author decided to get full on creepy and every cliche you can imagine about a haunted asylum came into play. Weird goings on ? Check. Unexplained murders ? Check. Teenagers trying their hand at ghost hunting ? Check and in the midst of all that Verity, her cop boyfriend Ellis and Frankie the ghost who is stuck haunting Verity. So ok Verify is there because one of the resident ghosts can possibly help Frankie to move on but right from the start it's pretty obvious it's never going to be easy.
I was reading this and couldn't help but think it felt very different to other books in the series and for this reader even though it seemed to end on a positive note it did seem to have a much darker tone. I loved that the ghosts became more than one dimensional and there's certainly closure involved in this adventure. What gave me pause however was the change in the relationship between Verity and Ellis. I'm not exactly sure just what will come next for the couple but fingers crossed there's a happy ending waiting.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair.
I was reading this and couldn't help but think it felt very different to other books in the series and for this reader even though it seemed to end on a positive note it did seem to have a much darker tone. I loved that the ghosts became more than one dimensional and there's certainly closure involved in this adventure. What gave me pause however was the change in the relationship between Verity and Ellis. I'm not exactly sure just what will come next for the couple but fingers crossed there's a happy ending waiting.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair.
April 12, 2019
The Mint Julep Murders by Angie Fox
Probably the most intense ghostbusters book to date. Could be read as a standalone unlike others as it takes place in mostly one location.
8th book In the Southern ghost hunting gangster cozy mystery series.
A bit more on the scary ghost side of things when Verity, Ellis and ghost Frankie get locked inside a former insane asylum. One filled with lots of ghosts and a killer.
Intense and on-edge for the majority of the book.
I love revisiting with this group and sure hope Verity and Ellis continue to work together. And the ghost translator app is genius!
Excerpt of Verity talking with two ghost hunters:
“What does your new machine do?” I pressed.
Brett looked up and he took a second to process my question. “Oh,” he said, “it measures the spectramanomic frequency of the beta waves emitted by spectral entities and uses a magnetic pulse to intensify the signal.”
He’d lost me on spectramanomic. “Give me the simple version,” I pressed.
The guys exchanged a look. “That was the simple version,” Brett said, not even bothering to sugarcoat it.
I started to speak, but Cash broke in, “Look, it basically magnifies a ghost. But like I told Brett, that’s a bad idea in a haunted asylum.”
“Because we need to test it out on ghost crickets or something,” Brett said, throwing up a hand like an Italian grandmother.
“We could visit a haunted convent,” Cash suggested, “ask really nicely if any of the nuns would let us use it.”
“Or maybe we could ask some nice old lady about ghost kittens,” Brett added sarcastically.
“I know a ghost horse,” I told him.”
Excerpt From The Mint Julep Murders by Angie Fox
This material may be protected by copyright.
Probably the most intense ghostbusters book to date. Could be read as a standalone unlike others as it takes place in mostly one location.
8th book In the Southern ghost hunting gangster cozy mystery series.
A bit more on the scary ghost side of things when Verity, Ellis and ghost Frankie get locked inside a former insane asylum. One filled with lots of ghosts and a killer.
Intense and on-edge for the majority of the book.
I love revisiting with this group and sure hope Verity and Ellis continue to work together. And the ghost translator app is genius!
Excerpt of Verity talking with two ghost hunters:
“What does your new machine do?” I pressed.
Brett looked up and he took a second to process my question. “Oh,” he said, “it measures the spectramanomic frequency of the beta waves emitted by spectral entities and uses a magnetic pulse to intensify the signal.”
He’d lost me on spectramanomic. “Give me the simple version,” I pressed.
The guys exchanged a look. “That was the simple version,” Brett said, not even bothering to sugarcoat it.
I started to speak, but Cash broke in, “Look, it basically magnifies a ghost. But like I told Brett, that’s a bad idea in a haunted asylum.”
“Because we need to test it out on ghost crickets or something,” Brett said, throwing up a hand like an Italian grandmother.
“We could visit a haunted convent,” Cash suggested, “ask really nicely if any of the nuns would let us use it.”
“Or maybe we could ask some nice old lady about ghost kittens,” Brett added sarcastically.
“I know a ghost horse,” I told him.”
Excerpt From The Mint Julep Murders by Angie Fox
This material may be protected by copyright.
April 7, 2019
The Mint Julep Murders by Angie Fox is another winner in this series.
Verity, Frankie and Ellis visit the Mint Julep Manor to meet with a ghost from Frankie's past. Verity and Frankie are hoping he can help restore Frankie's memory about who killed him. As usual with Verity and Frankie, nothing goes as planned and soon they are stuck inside the old house with a murderer and several ghosts. I really like Verity as she always wants to help as many ghosts as she can which often leads her off the path of solving the crime(s). The story was fast paced with limited suspects, red herrings and twists that kept me completely in the dark. At one point in the story I was gripping my Kindle hard because I was scared for Verity. I couldn't ask for a better way to spend my afternoon that in the Southern Ghost Hunter world.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
Verity, Frankie and Ellis visit the Mint Julep Manor to meet with a ghost from Frankie's past. Verity and Frankie are hoping he can help restore Frankie's memory about who killed him. As usual with Verity and Frankie, nothing goes as planned and soon they are stuck inside the old house with a murderer and several ghosts. I really like Verity as she always wants to help as many ghosts as she can which often leads her off the path of solving the crime(s). The story was fast paced with limited suspects, red herrings and twists that kept me completely in the dark. At one point in the story I was gripping my Kindle hard because I was scared for Verity. I couldn't ask for a better way to spend my afternoon that in the Southern Ghost Hunter world.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
April 29, 2019
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
I have really enjoyed the other books in this series. This one - no so much. It was darker and missing the humor of the previous books. Most of the plot was Verity interacting with nasty ghost types in an insane asylum. It wasn't fun this time around.
Frankie, Southern girl Verity Long's ghost housemate, has tracked down mob boss Scalieri who knows the identify of the gangster who shot and killed Frankie. Verity will do just about anything to free Frankie from her property because she feels responsible for grounding him there. Now they are on the way to a haunted insane asylum called Mint Julep Manor. Believe me, nothing good is going to come of this.
Scalieri isn't the only nasty ghost there and what he wants from Verity and Frankie, Verity just isn't going to do. But there are other ghosts she wants to help and one very powerful one that wants to stop her and will stop at nothing, even murder. 3 1/2-Stars
I have really enjoyed the other books in this series. This one - no so much. It was darker and missing the humor of the previous books. Most of the plot was Verity interacting with nasty ghost types in an insane asylum. It wasn't fun this time around.
Frankie, Southern girl Verity Long's ghost housemate, has tracked down mob boss Scalieri who knows the identify of the gangster who shot and killed Frankie. Verity will do just about anything to free Frankie from her property because she feels responsible for grounding him there. Now they are on the way to a haunted insane asylum called Mint Julep Manor. Believe me, nothing good is going to come of this.
Scalieri isn't the only nasty ghost there and what he wants from Verity and Frankie, Verity just isn't going to do. But there are other ghosts she wants to help and one very powerful one that wants to stop her and will stop at nothing, even murder. 3 1/2-Stars
June 28, 2020
Wow!
This series has been getting better and better! I can't wait to read more with Frankie, Verity, and Ellis. I will be on the edge of my seat until a new release!!💖
This series has been getting better and better! I can't wait to read more with Frankie, Verity, and Ellis. I will be on the edge of my seat until a new release!!💖
April 18, 2019
In this latest ghost hunting adventure for Verity and Frankie, they must brave an old haunted insane asylum if they want to get answers that might help Frankie. Not long after their arrival, they are up to their necks in murder and trapped inside with a bunch of insane ghosts and a killer.
The Mint Julep Murders is the eighth installment of the Southern Ghost Hunter mysteries. These fun blend of paranormal and cozy mysteries work well read/listened to in order as the reader gets to see how it all began with Verity and Frankie and Verity's relationship with cop boyfriend, Ellis. But, that said, they are all standalone mysteries so could be gotten out of order in a pinch.
Most of the time, these get a little bit creepy with a nice ghostly, scary setting, but this one took the cake. A descrepit insane asylum where the traumatic old-style treatments took place and every room more chilling than the last with a bunch of ghosts and odd people was a perfect spooky read. I was more into the description of the setting and the situations for all those poor haunts than the murder mystery.
Verity was her usual Pollyanna naive self that gets on more by luck than anything else which gives her a bravado that had me rolling my eyes along with Frankie and feeling sympathetic to Ellis' worry that she's in over her head. The trouble is that she has a tender, giving heart and blithely ignores danger because she thinks she's Mother Theresa to all those ghosts. She manages to fumble and bumble her way through each case including this one. When she ends up in a tight spot and the death is knocking, she admits that maybe Ellis and Frankie have a point, but then later, she's back to offended that they ever doubt her. She's a sweetheart and funny. I admire her for doing as well as she is after all that has happened to change her life and I'm not just referring to all the ghost adventures.
Verity can be a trip at times, but I have a pretty good time with each story in this series and this one was no exception. Frankie was his usual gangster wise-cracking self, reluctantly at her side, and comes through when it counts. Verity poo-poos Ellis' worry, but she's actually got it pretty good that she has a man who stalwartly believes in her ghost business and in the ghosts, who isn't scared off, but only struggles because he cares about her safety. I sure hope she figures out how to compromise instead of the path she's on insisting he do all the bending.
The murder mystery wasn't hard for me to figure out even when the twists happened, but I enjoyed trailing along behind Verity as she worked to get to the truth.
All in all, I zipped through this one enjoying it thoroughly. It was the first cozy mystery series I liked and remains a firm favorite that I can gladly recommend to those who enjoy spooky-style cozy mysteries that focus on old historical settings around a small town in Tennessee.
I rec'd this book from Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.
The Mint Julep Murders is the eighth installment of the Southern Ghost Hunter mysteries. These fun blend of paranormal and cozy mysteries work well read/listened to in order as the reader gets to see how it all began with Verity and Frankie and Verity's relationship with cop boyfriend, Ellis. But, that said, they are all standalone mysteries so could be gotten out of order in a pinch.
Most of the time, these get a little bit creepy with a nice ghostly, scary setting, but this one took the cake. A descrepit insane asylum where the traumatic old-style treatments took place and every room more chilling than the last with a bunch of ghosts and odd people was a perfect spooky read. I was more into the description of the setting and the situations for all those poor haunts than the murder mystery.
Verity was her usual Pollyanna naive self that gets on more by luck than anything else which gives her a bravado that had me rolling my eyes along with Frankie and feeling sympathetic to Ellis' worry that she's in over her head. The trouble is that she has a tender, giving heart and blithely ignores danger because she thinks she's Mother Theresa to all those ghosts. She manages to fumble and bumble her way through each case including this one. When she ends up in a tight spot and the death is knocking, she admits that maybe Ellis and Frankie have a point, but then later, she's back to offended that they ever doubt her. She's a sweetheart and funny. I admire her for doing as well as she is after all that has happened to change her life and I'm not just referring to all the ghost adventures.
Verity can be a trip at times, but I have a pretty good time with each story in this series and this one was no exception. Frankie was his usual gangster wise-cracking self, reluctantly at her side, and comes through when it counts. Verity poo-poos Ellis' worry, but she's actually got it pretty good that she has a man who stalwartly believes in her ghost business and in the ghosts, who isn't scared off, but only struggles because he cares about her safety. I sure hope she figures out how to compromise instead of the path she's on insisting he do all the bending.
The murder mystery wasn't hard for me to figure out even when the twists happened, but I enjoyed trailing along behind Verity as she worked to get to the truth.
All in all, I zipped through this one enjoying it thoroughly. It was the first cozy mystery series I liked and remains a firm favorite that I can gladly recommend to those who enjoy spooky-style cozy mysteries that focus on old historical settings around a small town in Tennessee.
I rec'd this book from Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2019
Dark happenings are afoot as Verity, her boyfriend and the ghost who is haunting her visit an old lunatic asylum. When the owner shows up dead there are plenty of suspects and it's up to Verity to solve the crime.
There isn't all that much to this series but it's entertaining and fun. That said this episode has taken a much darker turn and it looks like that might continue in the future. I'm not really sure how I feel about that yet. It will be interesting to read the next in the series.
There isn't all that much to this series but it's entertaining and fun. That said this episode has taken a much darker turn and it looks like that might continue in the future. I'm not really sure how I feel about that yet. It will be interesting to read the next in the series.
July 30, 2019
This is the second book in this series I have read and again I loved it. This time she is sent to investigate hauntings at an asylum. Not only will she discover what’s going on but she will also be able to help her sidekick possibly become free. I can’t wait to continue on because it really left on a cliffhanger
June 25, 2022
Excellent! This is the 8th book in the series and every bit as good as the others. Some serious scary along with many cozy mystery elements. This one takes place in an old abandoned Insane Asylum with all the scary things you can imagine there. Verity, Ellis and Frankie along with some greedy guests, two science graduates trying their hand at ghost-hunting and a variety of ghosts fill out the characters. The mystery is perfect, leading us through the clues along with Verity to an awesome ending. Not enough of Lucy the skunk though.
September 18, 2021
I love this series. I mean, I love a paranormal cozy mystery but there aren't many out there that skillfully and successfully combines a great mystery with the thrills of an action movie and the chills of ghoulish ghosts like this series does.
I've read this series since book 4 (and went back and read the earlier books) and I like how each book has gotten more intense; there was one a few books back involving a train that had me sweating bullets just like this one did! I loved that there were some real twists and turns that kept me in the dark until the very end, and I loved meeting the other ghosts. There's always a sprinkle of history in the books, and this one involved both the treatment of mental health back over 100 years ago, as well as women's rights. Both were handled well, integrating neatly into the story while providing both context and plot points.
Moving into October here in a few days and this book really helped get me in the mood to spend the month with ghostly fun and now I'm really looking forward to the Halloween reading challenge. Bring on the scary!
I've read this series since book 4 (and went back and read the earlier books) and I like how each book has gotten more intense; there was one a few books back involving a train that had me sweating bullets just like this one did! I loved that there were some real twists and turns that kept me in the dark until the very end, and I loved meeting the other ghosts. There's always a sprinkle of history in the books, and this one involved both the treatment of mental health back over 100 years ago, as well as women's rights. Both were handled well, integrating neatly into the story while providing both context and plot points.
Moving into October here in a few days and this book really helped get me in the mood to spend the month with ghostly fun and now I'm really looking forward to the Halloween reading challenge. Bring on the scary!
June 22, 2025
A locked room-style mystery in a haunted insane asylum, a gangster ghost other than Frankie, and more hair-raising mystery than Verity can shake a stick at made The Mint Julep Murders another sensational installment in Angie Fox's Southern Ghost Hunter series of paranormal cozy mysteries.
The Mint Julep Murders is the eighth in the series. It can be listened to standalone, but there are mentions of previous events that are better understood when read in order.
The Mint Julep Murders begin as many of Verity and Frankie's adventures when Verity, Frankie and Ellis head to an old insane asylum that has been bought and turned into an entertainment venue for those who want to explore and stay in a genuinely haunted locale for an expensive, exotic trip. With the owner's permission, they arrive for their own purpose- meet with a ghost gangster who sent word that he'll give them the answer to who murdered Frankie in exchange for a favor.
On arrival, they discover their simple meet up goes all to hash when the owner, Barbara, has a married couple who have come to stay the night, the rains have flooded the only bridge out, the power gets knocked out, the owner is murdered and the strongest ghost in the asylum has locked them all in until they solve the murder. Meanwhile, Ellis is injured, Frankie has his own criminal hijinks going on, the asylum ghosts are as disturbed/disturbing in death as in life, and Verity is less confident by the minute that any of them are getting out alive.
The historical context of this latest is the often brutal and horrendous treatment of asylum patients from ice water baths, electrical shock therapy, lobotomies, and, of course, the sad, but true reasons that perfectly sane people were put away into places like this. The set up of the therapies and exam rooms and treatment of the patients made a chilling ghostly setting for Verity's latest.
Verity got cocky in this one. She got more lucky than right and she could see why Ellis and even Frankie thought her new "vocation" of helping ghosts was dangerous and even deadly. She even gets mad when she overhears Ellis' concerns. But, she ends up in a tight spot and no help in sight and realizes that maybe Ellis has a point.
It was fun with a bit of extra thrill and chill as Verity stumbled and bumbled her way to the truth. That big reveal at the end is a great teaser for making me ready to snack up the next book and see where things go next.
Tavia Gilbert is the voice of the series and there is no one I'd rather hear voicing these characters and stories I love. Wise-cracking Frankie, sweet and good Verity, and solid and loyal Ellis among all the guest characters.
The Mint Julep Murders was a rush and had some hair-raising moments. Paranormal Cozy Mystery fans really need to tag this series for their reading stacks.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 6.15.25
The Mint Julep Murders is the eighth in the series. It can be listened to standalone, but there are mentions of previous events that are better understood when read in order.
The Mint Julep Murders begin as many of Verity and Frankie's adventures when Verity, Frankie and Ellis head to an old insane asylum that has been bought and turned into an entertainment venue for those who want to explore and stay in a genuinely haunted locale for an expensive, exotic trip. With the owner's permission, they arrive for their own purpose- meet with a ghost gangster who sent word that he'll give them the answer to who murdered Frankie in exchange for a favor.
On arrival, they discover their simple meet up goes all to hash when the owner, Barbara, has a married couple who have come to stay the night, the rains have flooded the only bridge out, the power gets knocked out, the owner is murdered and the strongest ghost in the asylum has locked them all in until they solve the murder. Meanwhile, Ellis is injured, Frankie has his own criminal hijinks going on, the asylum ghosts are as disturbed/disturbing in death as in life, and Verity is less confident by the minute that any of them are getting out alive.
The historical context of this latest is the often brutal and horrendous treatment of asylum patients from ice water baths, electrical shock therapy, lobotomies, and, of course, the sad, but true reasons that perfectly sane people were put away into places like this. The set up of the therapies and exam rooms and treatment of the patients made a chilling ghostly setting for Verity's latest.
Verity got cocky in this one. She got more lucky than right and she could see why Ellis and even Frankie thought her new "vocation" of helping ghosts was dangerous and even deadly. She even gets mad when she overhears Ellis' concerns. But, she ends up in a tight spot and no help in sight and realizes that maybe Ellis has a point.
It was fun with a bit of extra thrill and chill as Verity stumbled and bumbled her way to the truth. That big reveal at the end is a great teaser for making me ready to snack up the next book and see where things go next.
Tavia Gilbert is the voice of the series and there is no one I'd rather hear voicing these characters and stories I love. Wise-cracking Frankie, sweet and good Verity, and solid and loyal Ellis among all the guest characters.
The Mint Julep Murders was a rush and had some hair-raising moments. Paranormal Cozy Mystery fans really need to tag this series for their reading stacks.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 6.15.25
May 4, 2019
I have read most of this of the Southern Ghost Hunter series and like them, but for some reason, I didn't really understand the ghost characters, I found them almost all negative.
Verity Long is still trying to undo the damage she did that keeps the gangster, Frankie to her home. Ellis, her detective boyfriend has agreed with Verify being a ghost hunter. She has accepted a request to visit a haunted asylum to see a gangster who knows who shot Frankie and might a way to unlock Frankie from Verify home. Frankie, Ellis, and Verify went to the asylum and had an adventure there during a vicious thunderstorm. They meet with several guests, one so powerful that he can lock all doors and windows. The Ghostbusters are present, a couple who spend the night in a haunted house, and the quirky owner. The powerful ghost can also murder a living person and does. Will the group escaped the haunted hospital before they become ghosts? I highly recommend this book and series.
Disclosure: Thanks to the author and Moose Island Books for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
Verity Long is still trying to undo the damage she did that keeps the gangster, Frankie to her home. Ellis, her detective boyfriend has agreed with Verify being a ghost hunter. She has accepted a request to visit a haunted asylum to see a gangster who knows who shot Frankie and might a way to unlock Frankie from Verify home. Frankie, Ellis, and Verify went to the asylum and had an adventure there during a vicious thunderstorm. They meet with several guests, one so powerful that he can lock all doors and windows. The Ghostbusters are present, a couple who spend the night in a haunted house, and the quirky owner. The powerful ghost can also murder a living person and does. Will the group escaped the haunted hospital before they become ghosts? I highly recommend this book and series.
Disclosure: Thanks to the author and Moose Island Books for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
January 25, 2020
It looks like I’m in the minority with this book, but I just wasn’t fussed with it. The location should have been great - a freaking haunted asylum in the middle of nowhere! - but it was so frenetic and the had so many chaotic scenes, that I just didn’t connect with this story, or the human characters other than Ellis and Verity. Yet, I did like the ghostly inmates like Levi and Juliet, plus the final scene was a doozy, soooo.... whatever.
But I think it really lost me in the scene where Ellis is complaining to the app (?) about Verity and her job. That was just pretty poor form on his part, and I was eagerly waiting for the fallout of her overhearing that monologue once they get back together, but it never comes up again. A wasted opportunity 🤨
So, while this was one of my most anticipated books in the series, it was a disappointing ride
But I think it really lost me in the scene where Ellis is complaining to the app (?) about Verity and her job. That was just pretty poor form on his part, and I was eagerly waiting for the fallout of her overhearing that monologue once they get back together, but it never comes up again. A wasted opportunity 🤨
So, while this was one of my most anticipated books in the series, it was a disappointing ride
April 9, 2019
The Mint Julep Murders
Southern Ghost Hunter Mystery, Book #8
Angie Fox
5 Stars
Synopsis:
For Southern girl Verity Long, friendship means sitting down to stories and sweet tea on the front porch. For her gangster ghost housemate, it means dragging Verity out to a remote haunted asylum during a raging thunderstorm to do a favor for a long-dead mob boss.
But Verity is always ready to help out a friend, even one as eternally eccentric as Frankie. And in the case of Mint Julep Manor, the stakes are too high to refuse. The criminally insane mob boss holds a secret to Frankie’s past, one that might set Frankie free. Do the favor—survive the favor—and they might change Frankie’s afterlife for good. Fail, and they might never leave the asylum. (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Verity is such a caring loving person, and she wants to help everyone, living or dead. Everyone should be as kind as her. Frankie likes to appear tough and gruff, but deep down he has feelings, although he would never admit it. Any time I get to spend with Verity and Frankie is time well spent. I love the bickering and banter between the two of them, it provides a lot of humor to the book. Verity would miss Frankie if he ever left.
The writing style flows smoothly and defines the characters very clearly by their actions and words. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and creating the setting. Being in a remote haunted asylum was very scary and I could picture the torture devices and the eerie hallways in my mind. It was a scary place to be!!
There was plenty of action taking place within the pages of this book. The mystery was well plotted and although most of the action took place within the asylum, I think that added to the suspense. There were plenty of twists and turns and red herrings thrown in and it was not easily solved. And the ending left me wanting to read the next book immediately.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. And if you enjoy ghostly cozies, this book and series is for you.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest review.
Southern Ghost Hunter Mystery, Book #8
Angie Fox
5 Stars
Synopsis:
For Southern girl Verity Long, friendship means sitting down to stories and sweet tea on the front porch. For her gangster ghost housemate, it means dragging Verity out to a remote haunted asylum during a raging thunderstorm to do a favor for a long-dead mob boss.
But Verity is always ready to help out a friend, even one as eternally eccentric as Frankie. And in the case of Mint Julep Manor, the stakes are too high to refuse. The criminally insane mob boss holds a secret to Frankie’s past, one that might set Frankie free. Do the favor—survive the favor—and they might change Frankie’s afterlife for good. Fail, and they might never leave the asylum. (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Verity is such a caring loving person, and she wants to help everyone, living or dead. Everyone should be as kind as her. Frankie likes to appear tough and gruff, but deep down he has feelings, although he would never admit it. Any time I get to spend with Verity and Frankie is time well spent. I love the bickering and banter between the two of them, it provides a lot of humor to the book. Verity would miss Frankie if he ever left.
The writing style flows smoothly and defines the characters very clearly by their actions and words. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and creating the setting. Being in a remote haunted asylum was very scary and I could picture the torture devices and the eerie hallways in my mind. It was a scary place to be!!
There was plenty of action taking place within the pages of this book. The mystery was well plotted and although most of the action took place within the asylum, I think that added to the suspense. There were plenty of twists and turns and red herrings thrown in and it was not easily solved. And the ending left me wanting to read the next book immediately.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. And if you enjoy ghostly cozies, this book and series is for you.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest review.
February 7, 2020
5 Stars. The Mint Julep Murders is book 8 in the Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries series. This is a cozy mystery told in 1st person POV for main character Verity Long.
The series is about a woman named Verity who unknowingly cleaned out a man named Frankie's ashes from an old vase looking jar into her rosebushes and it trapped his ghost on her property allowing him to only leave when Verity takes his urn off the property. The ghost, Frankie, showed himself to her and so began her ability to see ghosts.
It is best to read these books in order. I'm sure you could read them standalone but I don't think that it will be as fulfilling that way.
In this book, Frankie convinced Verity and Ellis to go to an old and haunted asylum. I have to be pretty vague for this review because I don't want to give anything away. It is better to watch as it all happens. I will say that everything really kicks off when the owner of the property is murdered while Verity and Ellis are there. They have to figure out who killed her while worrying about a bunch of unhappy and not completely mentally together ghosts who aren't pleased with them being there. All of this is happening during a horrible storm and power outage. And of course, there is no cellphone reception in the mental hospital and they are trapped there with some other living people who are also suspects in the murder.
The past few books, Frankie got on my last nerve! He is a pain in the butt and very selfish and rude. He actually had a couple of moments of decency in this book but they were short moments. I'm still hoping for some character growth where he is concerned.
One big thing is that there is starting to be a rift between Verity and Ellis because he has issues with just how dangerous ghost hunting is for Verity. That was just introduced in this book though and not yet addressed. It sounds like that will be a big part of the next book. I can't wait for that book to be released so I can read it.
I really loved The Mint Julep Murders, however I wish the author was better at allowing the readers to solve clues alongside Verity and Ellis. These books are typically a bunch of random stuff happening and then suddenly a big ah-ha explanation at the end. It takes a bit of the mystery fun out of it.
Even though I have started to get a bit bored with this series since it's not as much fun when there aren't clues along the way for me to solve, I still love several aspects of the books. I beyond love the skunk Lucy and love that she has a full name: Lucille Desiree Long. So cute. I also love the relationship between Verity and Ellis. I am no longer binging the series but listening with a book or two from other authors in between and it is working out fine. I start to wonder what is happening and find myself getting back to the series fairly quickly.
I'm not sure if I would enjoy reading this book as much as I enjoyed listening to it. The narrator really injects a lot of emotion into her reading and she really sells the suspense and fear. She does a really good job. Her voices are distinct and clear and her pronunciation is good.
The series is about a woman named Verity who unknowingly cleaned out a man named Frankie's ashes from an old vase looking jar into her rosebushes and it trapped his ghost on her property allowing him to only leave when Verity takes his urn off the property. The ghost, Frankie, showed himself to her and so began her ability to see ghosts.
It is best to read these books in order. I'm sure you could read them standalone but I don't think that it will be as fulfilling that way.
In this book, Frankie convinced Verity and Ellis to go to an old and haunted asylum. I have to be pretty vague for this review because I don't want to give anything away. It is better to watch as it all happens. I will say that everything really kicks off when the owner of the property is murdered while Verity and Ellis are there. They have to figure out who killed her while worrying about a bunch of unhappy and not completely mentally together ghosts who aren't pleased with them being there. All of this is happening during a horrible storm and power outage. And of course, there is no cellphone reception in the mental hospital and they are trapped there with some other living people who are also suspects in the murder.
The past few books, Frankie got on my last nerve! He is a pain in the butt and very selfish and rude. He actually had a couple of moments of decency in this book but they were short moments. I'm still hoping for some character growth where he is concerned.
One big thing is that there is starting to be a rift between Verity and Ellis because he has issues with just how dangerous ghost hunting is for Verity. That was just introduced in this book though and not yet addressed. It sounds like that will be a big part of the next book. I can't wait for that book to be released so I can read it.
I really loved The Mint Julep Murders, however I wish the author was better at allowing the readers to solve clues alongside Verity and Ellis. These books are typically a bunch of random stuff happening and then suddenly a big ah-ha explanation at the end. It takes a bit of the mystery fun out of it.
Even though I have started to get a bit bored with this series since it's not as much fun when there aren't clues along the way for me to solve, I still love several aspects of the books. I beyond love the skunk Lucy and love that she has a full name: Lucille Desiree Long. So cute. I also love the relationship between Verity and Ellis. I am no longer binging the series but listening with a book or two from other authors in between and it is working out fine. I start to wonder what is happening and find myself getting back to the series fairly quickly.
I'm not sure if I would enjoy reading this book as much as I enjoyed listening to it. The narrator really injects a lot of emotion into her reading and she really sells the suspense and fear. She does a really good job. Her voices are distinct and clear and her pronunciation is good.
August 10, 2019
The Mint Juelp Murders is the 8th book in the Southern Ghost Hunter series. I really enjoy this cozy paranromal series. The main characters are Verity Long and her roomate Frankie, who is ghost. They are hilarious. There are some real laugh out loud moments between the two of them.
In this edition, they go to Mint Julep Manor, an insane asylum to help a mobster. They do this in hopes that the mob boss can set Frankie free in the afterlife. But is Verity really ready for that?
I was on the edge of my seat reading this cozy mystery! It was really intense, but in a great way.
This is really a great series.
In this edition, they go to Mint Julep Manor, an insane asylum to help a mobster. They do this in hopes that the mob boss can set Frankie free in the afterlife. But is Verity really ready for that?
I was on the edge of my seat reading this cozy mystery! It was really intense, but in a great way.
This is really a great series.
April 10, 2019
WHEN YOU DIE -YOU ARE NOT GONE! Ghost hunter Verity with her gangster ghost Frankie are still searching for answers to Frank's demise. LOVE the name of this mystery maybe because I also LOVE the MINT JULEP BOURBON COCKTAIL too. Fox's plot location the Mint Julep Manor is a haunted mental asylum with, you guessed it, spirit residences. Verity, along with her police boyfriend Ellis, arrive on a stormy night and soon find themselves trapped with no escape. This creepy multi-story manor gives FOX many opportunities to keep the reader jittery and turning the pages with shaky fingers. I personally missed Lucy the pet skunk who was left at home by Verity. COBWEBS and Locked doors lead to MURDERS and a challenge to survive. WHO SHOT FRANKIE over a hundred years ago? A copy of this book was provided by author with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion." THIS SERIES JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER!
February 27, 2021
I love how easy it is to slip into this series! Its fun, exciting, humorous, and intriguing! I loved this haunted asylum story and it was nice to have a break from Virginia for a change. Highly recommend the audio and this book to fans of this series. Another winner!
April 26, 2019
ANOTHER FABULOUS ADDITION TO THE SERIES & MY NEW FAVORITE!!!
Title: The Mint Julep Murders
Series: Southern Ghost Hunters Mysteries
Designation: Book 8 of Series, Full-Length, Standalone, NO Cliffhanger #cozymystery #sweetromance #humor
Author: Angie Fox
My Rating: FIVE DELIGHTFULLY ENTERTAINING STARS*****
Ghosts, ghosts, and more ghosts, plus throw in a super spooky asylum for the criminally insane, a raging thunderstorm, a heaping helping of pulse-pounding danger, a heavy sprinkling of laugh out loud humor, a generous splash of perplexing mystery, a jigger of spine-tingling suspense, then add a brave police officer boyfriend and an accidental ghostly housemate who seems to have a knack for finding trouble, shake well, and what do you have? One heck of a cocktail for murder - both past and present! I adore cozy mysteries, love gripping suspense, and completely addicted to anything supernatural, but throw in a little sweet romance, and I'm totally smitten! Unfortunately, it's often difficult to find all four elements in one book but, fortunately, I've found an author that brilliantly combines them all into one exceptional story. Angie Fox has delighted her readers yet again with The Mint Julep Murders, a full-length standalone and eighth release in the Southern Ghost Hunters Mysteries Series. Fox did an outstanding job of giving readers backstory for the series as well as the characters, and this book could certainly be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend, at least, reading the first book, Southern Spirits, which will introduce you to the Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries world and most definitely enrich your reading experience.. I became a diehard fan five years ago after reading The Accidental Demon Slayer, the outrageously funny first release in Fox's best-selling Biker Witches Mystery Series, another fabulous collection I highly recommend, especially if you love your mystery generously laced with paranormal elements, side-splitting humor, and dreamy romance. But I digress, so let's talk about this book. The Mint Julep Murders is imaginative, unique, cute, laugh-out-loud funny, sweet, and heartwarming. The narrative is beautifully written in the first-person with a single perspective from the heroine, Verity Long. The dialogue is smart, snappy, well executed, at times hilarious, and flows effortlessly. There was so much I truly enjoyed about this book, but it's the large cast of instantly engaging characters who completely steal the show. They literally explode from the pages, grab your attention, engage your imagination, and completely capture your heart! Verity Long and her cast of endearing cohorts carry this entire series and have become my favorites in the cozy mystery genre. Fox skillfully combines every single one of these elements to craft a deliciously cute and delightfully entertaining whodunit filled to the brim with danger, drama, humor, ghosts, suspense, and plot twists, with even a little heartbreaking angst and heartwarming romance.
Did I like this book? No, I LOVED it! It's my new favorite! Yeah, yeah, I know I say the same thing after every book in this series but only because it's true; I just can't help myself. lol.. I adore the Southern Ghost Hunters World and the fictional town of Sugarland, Tennessee as well as the endearing cast of characters Fox has created for this series. Southern Belle Verity Long is an absolute delight and Ellis Wydell is one hunk of burning love! lol... And never fear, Verity's gangster ghost housemate, Frankie Winkelmann aka Frankie the German, from the flapper era is around to cause all kinds of trouble and Lucy, the pet skunk, is ever present for a little heartwarming comic relief. And the supporting characters in this cozy mystery completely stole my heart! I giggled, snorted, snuffled and sniffed through the entire story. Would I recommend it? You bet and I am, for ages twelve to a hundred and twelve! Angie Fox is a master of her craft and never fails to deliver a wonderfully layered whodunit of thrills, chills, and kills, expertly infusing events from both past and present to create a mystery within a mystery. Will I read this author again? Absolutely! Just as soon as she releases her next book! Was I entertained? Completely and totally entertained! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!
Premise: Although the last year and a half have been difficult for Verity Long, it's also been surprisingly busy for the beautiful former aspiring graphic designer from Sugarland Tennessee. Unfortunately, the one thing it hasn't been is profitable - until recently. After successfully solving several murders, Verity has gained some recognition, or I should say notoriety, as Sugarland's resident ghosthunter expert and is finally earning a little cash with her new job skills. Verity isn't rolling in money - yet - but she's managed to hang on to the home she inherited from her grandmother. She lost absolutely everything after breaking off her engagement last year with her lying, cheating, now ex-fiance Beau Wydell, youngest and favorite son of wealthy, influential town aristocrat Virginia Wydell. Verity's graphic design services had been in demand until her almost mother-in-law used her influence to ruin her good name and her business. Had it been left up to the vengeful Virginia Wydell, Verity would have been tarred, feathered, and run out of town on a rail. Now it seems no one in Sugarland needs her services, so she's embarked on a new career and a whole new business...as a ghost hunter. Yup, she's officially out of the closet and has been for months, or rather since her interview with Ovis Dupree, the geriatric guest investigative reporter from the local newspaper, The Sugarland Gazette. And that's not the only change in her life. Her kinda-sorta-maybe, once hush-hush, and on-the-sly boyfriend Deputy Sheriff Ellis Wydell is now her very public main squeeze! And yes, Ellis and Beau are related - they're brothers! Huh? Oh yes, brothers! As you can imagine, the news was not well received by Virginia or Beau Wydell. And let's not forget her sweet little pet skunk Lucy and her very dead, black and white gangster ghost housemate, Franklin Rudolph Winkelmann aka Frankie the German. Yup, I said ghost. Frankie became trapped on Verity's property when she unknowingly dumped the ashes from his urn onto the roots of her rose bush. Oh no! But in her defense, she had no idea what they were and what would happen. So until she can figure out a way to free Frankie, she's stuck with the not-so-nice wise guy criminal from the flapper era who has turned her backyard shed into a speakeasy and hideout for him and his ghost gang cronies. Verity's life isn't perfect, but on the bright side, she does still have her pet skunk, Lucy, a hot hunky boyfriend, her grandmother's house, and on occasion, Frankie does actually lend her, albeit begrudgingly, some of his power so she can see all those otherworldly things that go bump in the night. But things have really been looking up lately. At least, she's managed to solve a few cases. Now, if she could just convince everyone to accept her new abilities and recent career change, she may be able to win over all the citizens of Sugarland, maybe even Virginia Wydell, and make a real go of her ghost hunting business. It seems Verity is well on her way to accomplishing her goals, but be careful what you wish for, Verity; you could become a target yourself!
The world turns, life goes on, and southern bell, super-sleuth Verity Long finds herself caught up in another dangerous investigation. Thankfully, or maybe not, the universe seems to have her on speed dial with dead bodies, from both past and present, popping up at every turn. And once again, Verity finds herself neck deep in another whodunit. But if there's one thing Verity does well, it's solving mysteries. With plenty of help from her gangster ghost housemate, a menagerie of spiritual cohorts from the ghostly plane, her friends, and her steady beau, Verity has become quite well known as Sugarland's very own ghost hunter extraordinaire. No, not that Beau (the lying, cheating Beau Wydell), her now very public, no-longer-on-the-sly sweetie, Ellis Wydell, Sugarland Police Detective and Beau's older brother. Nothing like keeping it in the family! And Ellis is certainly ready, willing and able to serve and protect, especially when Verity is involved. He's very protective, thank heavens, since Verity always needs protecting. Despite her best efforts, Verity attracts trouble like a lightning rod draws lightning - quite literally. Verity may now be a legitimate and highly recognized ghosthunter (in Sugarland), but she's still the born and bred, always gracious, genteel southern belle her grandmother raised her to be, always willing to lend a helping hand, especially to neighbors and friends. And, of course, that includes her accidental ghostly gangster housemate and kinda, sorta friend, Franklin Rudolph Winkelman aka Frankie the German, right? Doing a favor for Frankie is just the right thing to do. After all, it's her fault Frankie is trapped on her property, and this could be the key to freeing him. But that helping hand has now stranded Verity, Ellis, and Frankie at Pikesville Sanitorium, an old mental hospital located an hour away from Sugarland, built in the early 1900s, abandoned in the 1950s, and nicknamed Mint Julep Manor because of it's sprawling southern plantation architecture. And they're trapped inside the haunted insane asylum during a raging thunderstorm - with a murderer! Poor Verity, Ellis, and Frankie! It seems murder always finds a way to bleed across the veil of time from the past to the present and, yet again, Verity finds herself in the eye of the storm - literally as well as figuratively! Oh my! Here we go again!
Title: The Mint Julep Murders
Series: Southern Ghost Hunters Mysteries
Designation: Book 8 of Series, Full-Length, Standalone, NO Cliffhanger #cozymystery #sweetromance #humor
Author: Angie Fox
My Rating: FIVE DELIGHTFULLY ENTERTAINING STARS*****
Ghosts, ghosts, and more ghosts, plus throw in a super spooky asylum for the criminally insane, a raging thunderstorm, a heaping helping of pulse-pounding danger, a heavy sprinkling of laugh out loud humor, a generous splash of perplexing mystery, a jigger of spine-tingling suspense, then add a brave police officer boyfriend and an accidental ghostly housemate who seems to have a knack for finding trouble, shake well, and what do you have? One heck of a cocktail for murder - both past and present! I adore cozy mysteries, love gripping suspense, and completely addicted to anything supernatural, but throw in a little sweet romance, and I'm totally smitten! Unfortunately, it's often difficult to find all four elements in one book but, fortunately, I've found an author that brilliantly combines them all into one exceptional story. Angie Fox has delighted her readers yet again with The Mint Julep Murders, a full-length standalone and eighth release in the Southern Ghost Hunters Mysteries Series. Fox did an outstanding job of giving readers backstory for the series as well as the characters, and this book could certainly be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend, at least, reading the first book, Southern Spirits, which will introduce you to the Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries world and most definitely enrich your reading experience.. I became a diehard fan five years ago after reading The Accidental Demon Slayer, the outrageously funny first release in Fox's best-selling Biker Witches Mystery Series, another fabulous collection I highly recommend, especially if you love your mystery generously laced with paranormal elements, side-splitting humor, and dreamy romance. But I digress, so let's talk about this book. The Mint Julep Murders is imaginative, unique, cute, laugh-out-loud funny, sweet, and heartwarming. The narrative is beautifully written in the first-person with a single perspective from the heroine, Verity Long. The dialogue is smart, snappy, well executed, at times hilarious, and flows effortlessly. There was so much I truly enjoyed about this book, but it's the large cast of instantly engaging characters who completely steal the show. They literally explode from the pages, grab your attention, engage your imagination, and completely capture your heart! Verity Long and her cast of endearing cohorts carry this entire series and have become my favorites in the cozy mystery genre. Fox skillfully combines every single one of these elements to craft a deliciously cute and delightfully entertaining whodunit filled to the brim with danger, drama, humor, ghosts, suspense, and plot twists, with even a little heartbreaking angst and heartwarming romance.
Did I like this book? No, I LOVED it! It's my new favorite! Yeah, yeah, I know I say the same thing after every book in this series but only because it's true; I just can't help myself. lol.. I adore the Southern Ghost Hunters World and the fictional town of Sugarland, Tennessee as well as the endearing cast of characters Fox has created for this series. Southern Belle Verity Long is an absolute delight and Ellis Wydell is one hunk of burning love! lol... And never fear, Verity's gangster ghost housemate, Frankie Winkelmann aka Frankie the German, from the flapper era is around to cause all kinds of trouble and Lucy, the pet skunk, is ever present for a little heartwarming comic relief. And the supporting characters in this cozy mystery completely stole my heart! I giggled, snorted, snuffled and sniffed through the entire story. Would I recommend it? You bet and I am, for ages twelve to a hundred and twelve! Angie Fox is a master of her craft and never fails to deliver a wonderfully layered whodunit of thrills, chills, and kills, expertly infusing events from both past and present to create a mystery within a mystery. Will I read this author again? Absolutely! Just as soon as she releases her next book! Was I entertained? Completely and totally entertained! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!
Premise: Although the last year and a half have been difficult for Verity Long, it's also been surprisingly busy for the beautiful former aspiring graphic designer from Sugarland Tennessee. Unfortunately, the one thing it hasn't been is profitable - until recently. After successfully solving several murders, Verity has gained some recognition, or I should say notoriety, as Sugarland's resident ghosthunter expert and is finally earning a little cash with her new job skills. Verity isn't rolling in money - yet - but she's managed to hang on to the home she inherited from her grandmother. She lost absolutely everything after breaking off her engagement last year with her lying, cheating, now ex-fiance Beau Wydell, youngest and favorite son of wealthy, influential town aristocrat Virginia Wydell. Verity's graphic design services had been in demand until her almost mother-in-law used her influence to ruin her good name and her business. Had it been left up to the vengeful Virginia Wydell, Verity would have been tarred, feathered, and run out of town on a rail. Now it seems no one in Sugarland needs her services, so she's embarked on a new career and a whole new business...as a ghost hunter. Yup, she's officially out of the closet and has been for months, or rather since her interview with Ovis Dupree, the geriatric guest investigative reporter from the local newspaper, The Sugarland Gazette. And that's not the only change in her life. Her kinda-sorta-maybe, once hush-hush, and on-the-sly boyfriend Deputy Sheriff Ellis Wydell is now her very public main squeeze! And yes, Ellis and Beau are related - they're brothers! Huh? Oh yes, brothers! As you can imagine, the news was not well received by Virginia or Beau Wydell. And let's not forget her sweet little pet skunk Lucy and her very dead, black and white gangster ghost housemate, Franklin Rudolph Winkelmann aka Frankie the German. Yup, I said ghost. Frankie became trapped on Verity's property when she unknowingly dumped the ashes from his urn onto the roots of her rose bush. Oh no! But in her defense, she had no idea what they were and what would happen. So until she can figure out a way to free Frankie, she's stuck with the not-so-nice wise guy criminal from the flapper era who has turned her backyard shed into a speakeasy and hideout for him and his ghost gang cronies. Verity's life isn't perfect, but on the bright side, she does still have her pet skunk, Lucy, a hot hunky boyfriend, her grandmother's house, and on occasion, Frankie does actually lend her, albeit begrudgingly, some of his power so she can see all those otherworldly things that go bump in the night. But things have really been looking up lately. At least, she's managed to solve a few cases. Now, if she could just convince everyone to accept her new abilities and recent career change, she may be able to win over all the citizens of Sugarland, maybe even Virginia Wydell, and make a real go of her ghost hunting business. It seems Verity is well on her way to accomplishing her goals, but be careful what you wish for, Verity; you could become a target yourself!
The world turns, life goes on, and southern bell, super-sleuth Verity Long finds herself caught up in another dangerous investigation. Thankfully, or maybe not, the universe seems to have her on speed dial with dead bodies, from both past and present, popping up at every turn. And once again, Verity finds herself neck deep in another whodunit. But if there's one thing Verity does well, it's solving mysteries. With plenty of help from her gangster ghost housemate, a menagerie of spiritual cohorts from the ghostly plane, her friends, and her steady beau, Verity has become quite well known as Sugarland's very own ghost hunter extraordinaire. No, not that Beau (the lying, cheating Beau Wydell), her now very public, no-longer-on-the-sly sweetie, Ellis Wydell, Sugarland Police Detective and Beau's older brother. Nothing like keeping it in the family! And Ellis is certainly ready, willing and able to serve and protect, especially when Verity is involved. He's very protective, thank heavens, since Verity always needs protecting. Despite her best efforts, Verity attracts trouble like a lightning rod draws lightning - quite literally. Verity may now be a legitimate and highly recognized ghosthunter (in Sugarland), but she's still the born and bred, always gracious, genteel southern belle her grandmother raised her to be, always willing to lend a helping hand, especially to neighbors and friends. And, of course, that includes her accidental ghostly gangster housemate and kinda, sorta friend, Franklin Rudolph Winkelman aka Frankie the German, right? Doing a favor for Frankie is just the right thing to do. After all, it's her fault Frankie is trapped on her property, and this could be the key to freeing him. But that helping hand has now stranded Verity, Ellis, and Frankie at Pikesville Sanitorium, an old mental hospital located an hour away from Sugarland, built in the early 1900s, abandoned in the 1950s, and nicknamed Mint Julep Manor because of it's sprawling southern plantation architecture. And they're trapped inside the haunted insane asylum during a raging thunderstorm - with a murderer! Poor Verity, Ellis, and Frankie! It seems murder always finds a way to bleed across the veil of time from the past to the present and, yet again, Verity finds herself in the eye of the storm - literally as well as figuratively! Oh my! Here we go again!
July 21, 2019
You can find this review and all of my others over at www.readbookrepeat.wordpress.com.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Moose Island Books, and the author via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Verity Long is a ghost hunter, not in the professional sense I guess, but more that she ends up in these situations where she has the chance to help the dead move on. In this instalment, Verity finds herself, her boyfriend Ellis and her ghostly companion Frankie at Mint Julep Manor. The place used to operate as an insane asylum, and they're not here to take the ghost tour. One of the dead inmates of the ghostly asylum may be able to help Frankie move on, if they can get the mob boss to disclose who shot Frankie dead, maybe it's just the information he needs to break free of the shackles of having his ashes buried in Verity's rose bushes. However, things aren't going according to plan. The asylum is filled with many spirits and when a situation causes the asylum to go into spiritual lock down. Those locked inside are tasked with finding the culprit otherwise they will never be allowed to live, forcing them to become members of the asylum on the other side. Can they solve the mystery and get out before it's too late?
This is the first book I've read in this series...which I found really funny after I finished it, I realised that I've had the first book of this series sitting in my kindle library unread for probably a good year + now. I don't think not having read any other previous books takes anything away from this story as I knew nothing of the history of the characters or their relationship and still found it an incredibly enjoyable read that I just flew through. There is mention of things that happened earlier in the series which obviously I had no knowledge of, but as a whole, I found this to be a fun read even not knowing things that the characters were referring to. I feel like I did miss out on the relationship evolution between the characters a bit, but that's okay because I'm actually going to go and read the series from the beginning soon. It's made me even more excited to dig my teeth in and see where it all began!
Verity is actually a really likeable character. I sound surprised because I was expecting to be irritated by her, I'm honestly not sure why, I just had this feeling she was going to piss me off, but she didn't at all, so colour me surprised. Ellis is likeable enough but I feel like he needs to voice his concerns to Verity instead of her ghostly sidekick, otherwise there's going to a world of trouble on the horizon for this bubbly couple. I absolutely ADORED Frankie. His character made me smile and laugh and he was just an all round big hoot. He injected a light heartedness to the otherwise serious scenes that we came across in this book, though there weren't many, there were definitely a few scenes that pulled on the emotional tabs a bit. The secondary characters that we meet in this book were fun and rounded out the cast nicely. I enjoyed the ghost hunters Brett and Cash, and I'm kinda hoping that we see them again in later instalments to the series. They were entertaining and I think it'd be fun for Verity to cross paths with them again, and maybe even for them to become a more solid staple in the line-up.
The mystery itself was well thought out and executed wonderfully. It honestly kept me guessing, and as you all know, that's my favourite thing. Working everything out before the characters is a pain in my arse and not something that I enjoy, especially when you've cracked the case 50% through a book and have to sit there and watch the characters run around like headless chooks. It kept me guessing right up until all the threads started coming together just before the big reveal.
The story itself does have the stand-alone mystery involved, but it also encompasses other things that the characters will be dealing with over the long term which is nice. I love a good story that can be wrapped up in a single book, especially when it comes to the mystery genre, but I also enjoy that there's an overlying story line that carries through the series. I feel like this endears the characters to me more because I'm with them for the long haul and am hoping to see a light at the end of the big issues for them.
Fox writes an easy and flowing narrative, giving personality and individuality to all of her characters, main and secondary alike. I found myself thoroughly enjoying this story which I would place as a cosy paranormal mystery. It definitely gave me the cosy vibes while reading which is always nice. I look forward to continuing this series, from the beginning of course, now that I know I've already got a copy of book one that has been patiently awaiting it's spot light.
If you're a fan of easy reading cosy mysteries with a paranormal/supernatural twist, give this series a shot. I doubt you'll be disappointed.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Moose Island Books, and the author via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Verity Long is a ghost hunter, not in the professional sense I guess, but more that she ends up in these situations where she has the chance to help the dead move on. In this instalment, Verity finds herself, her boyfriend Ellis and her ghostly companion Frankie at Mint Julep Manor. The place used to operate as an insane asylum, and they're not here to take the ghost tour. One of the dead inmates of the ghostly asylum may be able to help Frankie move on, if they can get the mob boss to disclose who shot Frankie dead, maybe it's just the information he needs to break free of the shackles of having his ashes buried in Verity's rose bushes. However, things aren't going according to plan. The asylum is filled with many spirits and when a situation causes the asylum to go into spiritual lock down. Those locked inside are tasked with finding the culprit otherwise they will never be allowed to live, forcing them to become members of the asylum on the other side. Can they solve the mystery and get out before it's too late?
This is the first book I've read in this series...which I found really funny after I finished it, I realised that I've had the first book of this series sitting in my kindle library unread for probably a good year + now. I don't think not having read any other previous books takes anything away from this story as I knew nothing of the history of the characters or their relationship and still found it an incredibly enjoyable read that I just flew through. There is mention of things that happened earlier in the series which obviously I had no knowledge of, but as a whole, I found this to be a fun read even not knowing things that the characters were referring to. I feel like I did miss out on the relationship evolution between the characters a bit, but that's okay because I'm actually going to go and read the series from the beginning soon. It's made me even more excited to dig my teeth in and see where it all began!
Verity is actually a really likeable character. I sound surprised because I was expecting to be irritated by her, I'm honestly not sure why, I just had this feeling she was going to piss me off, but she didn't at all, so colour me surprised. Ellis is likeable enough but I feel like he needs to voice his concerns to Verity instead of her ghostly sidekick, otherwise there's going to a world of trouble on the horizon for this bubbly couple. I absolutely ADORED Frankie. His character made me smile and laugh and he was just an all round big hoot. He injected a light heartedness to the otherwise serious scenes that we came across in this book, though there weren't many, there were definitely a few scenes that pulled on the emotional tabs a bit. The secondary characters that we meet in this book were fun and rounded out the cast nicely. I enjoyed the ghost hunters Brett and Cash, and I'm kinda hoping that we see them again in later instalments to the series. They were entertaining and I think it'd be fun for Verity to cross paths with them again, and maybe even for them to become a more solid staple in the line-up.
The mystery itself was well thought out and executed wonderfully. It honestly kept me guessing, and as you all know, that's my favourite thing. Working everything out before the characters is a pain in my arse and not something that I enjoy, especially when you've cracked the case 50% through a book and have to sit there and watch the characters run around like headless chooks. It kept me guessing right up until all the threads started coming together just before the big reveal.
The story itself does have the stand-alone mystery involved, but it also encompasses other things that the characters will be dealing with over the long term which is nice. I love a good story that can be wrapped up in a single book, especially when it comes to the mystery genre, but I also enjoy that there's an overlying story line that carries through the series. I feel like this endears the characters to me more because I'm with them for the long haul and am hoping to see a light at the end of the big issues for them.
Fox writes an easy and flowing narrative, giving personality and individuality to all of her characters, main and secondary alike. I found myself thoroughly enjoying this story which I would place as a cosy paranormal mystery. It definitely gave me the cosy vibes while reading which is always nice. I look forward to continuing this series, from the beginning of course, now that I know I've already got a copy of book one that has been patiently awaiting it's spot light.
If you're a fan of easy reading cosy mysteries with a paranormal/supernatural twist, give this series a shot. I doubt you'll be disappointed.
April 17, 2019
The Mint Julep Murders is the eighth book in Angie Fox’s Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries series. This fast-paced book is well plotted with an intriguing mystery that had me on the edge of my seat and kept me guessing until the reveal. The story flows smoothly, and the characters are well developed. This book can be read as a standalone because the author has done an excellent job describing and explaining the main characters, their relationships, and backgrounds. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading paranormal cozy mysteries.
Verity Long is able to see and communicate with ghosts, but only with the help of Frankie, the ghost of a 1920s gangster who she managed to ground to her property in Sugarland, Tennessee when she dumped his ashes which she thought was dirt in the yard. Frankie is unable to leave the property unless Verity has his urn with her. Verity is a caring person who wants to help everyone, living or dead. She is productively using her gift as a ghost hunter and is dating Ellis Wydell, the Deputy Sheriff and her ex-fiancé’s brother. Ellis is one of the few people who believe in her abilities and has always been supportive of her helping the ghosts who need her but concerned for her safety. Verity, Ellis, and Frankie are visiting the abandoned Pikesville Sanitarium (nicknamed Mint Julep Manor), a mental hospital, built in the early 1900s and shut down in the 1950s to meet with Bruno Scalieri, a deceased mob boss and a criminally insane killer who was with Frankie on the night he’d been killed. Bruno claims to have seen the man who shot Frankie, and in exchange for their help, says he’ll give them information that could possibly set Frankie free. Shortly after they arrive, Barbara Slater, the new owner is murdered, and the dominant ghost puts the facility in lockdown, which trapping everyone, living and dead, inside. Verity has to figure out who the killer is, convince the dominant ghost to set them free, and negotiate with Bruno because his original request isn’t something she’s willing to do.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Verity Long is able to see and communicate with ghosts, but only with the help of Frankie, the ghost of a 1920s gangster who she managed to ground to her property in Sugarland, Tennessee when she dumped his ashes which she thought was dirt in the yard. Frankie is unable to leave the property unless Verity has his urn with her. Verity is a caring person who wants to help everyone, living or dead. She is productively using her gift as a ghost hunter and is dating Ellis Wydell, the Deputy Sheriff and her ex-fiancé’s brother. Ellis is one of the few people who believe in her abilities and has always been supportive of her helping the ghosts who need her but concerned for her safety. Verity, Ellis, and Frankie are visiting the abandoned Pikesville Sanitarium (nicknamed Mint Julep Manor), a mental hospital, built in the early 1900s and shut down in the 1950s to meet with Bruno Scalieri, a deceased mob boss and a criminally insane killer who was with Frankie on the night he’d been killed. Bruno claims to have seen the man who shot Frankie, and in exchange for their help, says he’ll give them information that could possibly set Frankie free. Shortly after they arrive, Barbara Slater, the new owner is murdered, and the dominant ghost puts the facility in lockdown, which trapping everyone, living and dead, inside. Verity has to figure out who the killer is, convince the dominant ghost to set them free, and negotiate with Bruno because his original request isn’t something she’s willing to do.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
February 11, 2022
I liked this one way better than the last one I read. I felt like Verity wasn’t such a “doormat” with her “always be a nice southern lady” thing. She had a backbone and proved how self-sufficient she is. The mystery was just okay, but the location of the story was the key – a haunted asylum. You can’t beat that.
I did feel the author was a little predictable in portraying the patients and staff in asylum and their stories were very sad. The stories of the patients were at sometimes very hard to listen to. The climax of the story seemed to drag a little and it was a everything goes wrong kind of thing that I don’t like to see in books.
Frankie wasn’t nearly involved in this story as he usually is. Not sure how I feel about that because it seemed his only purpose was to gripe and lend Verity his powers – no real substantive part to the story. I have issues with that especially when Verity is in trouble, and he just is disappearing for no real reason except to ramp up the intensity.
Verity and Ellis’ relationship doesn’t seem to be moving forward or growing. It will be interesting to see how the author deals with some of the new insights into Ellis’ feelings in the next few books.
The narrator bothered me a little in this one. I usually like them but in this one the voices of some of the characters sounded like someone making a voice and it didn’t have a natural flow to it.
Overall, the series is still okay and this one was better than the last one.
I did feel the author was a little predictable in portraying the patients and staff in asylum and their stories were very sad. The stories of the patients were at sometimes very hard to listen to. The climax of the story seemed to drag a little and it was a everything goes wrong kind of thing that I don’t like to see in books.
Frankie wasn’t nearly involved in this story as he usually is. Not sure how I feel about that because it seemed his only purpose was to gripe and lend Verity his powers – no real substantive part to the story. I have issues with that especially when Verity is in trouble, and he just is disappearing for no real reason except to ramp up the intensity.
Verity and Ellis’ relationship doesn’t seem to be moving forward or growing. It will be interesting to see how the author deals with some of the new insights into Ellis’ feelings in the next few books.
The narrator bothered me a little in this one. I usually like them but in this one the voices of some of the characters sounded like someone making a voice and it didn’t have a natural flow to it.
Overall, the series is still okay and this one was better than the last one.
April 7, 2019
It was an actual joy to read this book!
The story is fast paced and keeps you guessing, despite being confined to a single setting. The insane asylum is a creepy and intriguing place locale, and Fox makes it as much a character as any of the living or dead within its walls.
The characters are well rounded and entertaining, with our favourites interacting with new people who run the gamut of amusing to despicable. The tragedies of the patients in the asylum is handled with compassion and brings to light the horrors of past practices. And the relationship between Verity and Ellis continues to evolve and promises some ongoing drama in the next book.
But this book also has something that many books don't seem to manage, that makes it a joy to read. Fox has a firm grasp on, and respect for, the English language, and she uses it to craft not only an entertaining and engaging story, but one free of grammar and spelling mistakes that would take you out of the book. So many books now cannot say the same, and it is a relief to read a book that you are engaged with from start to finish. Fox has clearly taken the time and effort to ensure a quality experience for her readers, and it is appreciated.
This is quite possibly the best of the series so far, and a must read.
The story is fast paced and keeps you guessing, despite being confined to a single setting. The insane asylum is a creepy and intriguing place locale, and Fox makes it as much a character as any of the living or dead within its walls.
The characters are well rounded and entertaining, with our favourites interacting with new people who run the gamut of amusing to despicable. The tragedies of the patients in the asylum is handled with compassion and brings to light the horrors of past practices. And the relationship between Verity and Ellis continues to evolve and promises some ongoing drama in the next book.
But this book also has something that many books don't seem to manage, that makes it a joy to read. Fox has a firm grasp on, and respect for, the English language, and she uses it to craft not only an entertaining and engaging story, but one free of grammar and spelling mistakes that would take you out of the book. So many books now cannot say the same, and it is a relief to read a book that you are engaged with from start to finish. Fox has clearly taken the time and effort to ensure a quality experience for her readers, and it is appreciated.
This is quite possibly the best of the series so far, and a must read.
April 30, 2019
The Mint Julep Murders is such a fun read! I was entertained, amused, a little spooked, and kept guessing throughout.
The plot is reminiscent of a locked-room mystery, except this is a locked asylum. I love that the author took on the weighty topic of women committed to asylums, while maintaining the lighthearted tone of this series. I felt for these women, but I didn't become tangled in misery.
The characters are all well developed, with a bit of quirkiness and the kind of appeal that makes you want to hang out and get to know them.
This is the eighth in the series, but it reads perfectly as a stand-alone. Angie Fox does a great job of weaving in just enough of Verity's and Frankie's backstories to ensure readers understand their characters.
*I received a review copy from the publisher, via NetGalley.*
The plot is reminiscent of a locked-room mystery, except this is a locked asylum. I love that the author took on the weighty topic of women committed to asylums, while maintaining the lighthearted tone of this series. I felt for these women, but I didn't become tangled in misery.
The characters are all well developed, with a bit of quirkiness and the kind of appeal that makes you want to hang out and get to know them.
This is the eighth in the series, but it reads perfectly as a stand-alone. Angie Fox does a great job of weaving in just enough of Verity's and Frankie's backstories to ensure readers understand their characters.
*I received a review copy from the publisher, via NetGalley.*
April 8, 2019
Angie Fox has done it again with the latest addition to this wonderful series! Verity, Frankie and Ellis are back with a whole new cast of characters to investigate at Mint Julep Manor. Verity is trying to help Frankie but is in to learn a lot more than who killed Frankie. As always, the characters are beautifully described in detail and are very realistic. The stunning tale though is in the story that is weaved. It can easily be read as a standalone but is far better after the other books leading up to this. It's unique and full of action and danger. I love the feeling that Verity has accomplished a lot and has helped several living and dead people. I'm always left wanting much more despite the case in the book coming to a conclusion. Her writing style draws you into the story and the book just seems to fly by. This is one of my all time favorite series and this book does not disappoint.
April 9, 2019
Another winner! I love Verity - she is a wonderful character that struggles to do the right thing, even to her own detriment. In this novel, she is at an abandoned insane asylum to help her personal resident ghost, Frankie, get information he needs to separate from Verity. She brings along her beau, Ellis, who is also a cop. Before long the lot of them are trapped in the asylum.
This is an entertaining read with a mystery that kept me guessing until the end. The characters are engaging and made me feel invested in their story. While this is part of a series, this is a stand alone novel, however, it's so good that you really owe it to yourself to read them all.
Fans of the genre will love this book. I'm already looking forward to the next one.
This is an entertaining read with a mystery that kept me guessing until the end. The characters are engaging and made me feel invested in their story. While this is part of a series, this is a stand alone novel, however, it's so good that you really owe it to yourself to read them all.
Fans of the genre will love this book. I'm already looking forward to the next one.
April 29, 2019
Verity is investigating a haunted asylum. What could possibly go wrong with that? Plenty. With her trusty sidekick Frankie the German and her luscious boyfriend Ellis, they go to a haunted asylum (fake one) and find a haunted asylum (a real one). Mix in several cases of murder (human and dead ones) and a dead gangster friend of Frankie’s as well as the usual bevy of dead patients in a notorious, closed mental hospital. Top it off with a wacky owner who is trying to turn it into a haunted mansion type of tore, which isn’t pleasing the patients and staff much (and apparently a live person as well).
This is the best so far in the series and a MUST read for Angie Fox and Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries fans.
Get it!
Read it!
Love it! (and you will)
That is all.
This is the best so far in the series and a MUST read for Angie Fox and Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries fans.
Get it!
Read it!
Love it! (and you will)
That is all.
May 8, 2019
5 Stars... This was one creepy read from the start... Imagine being locked inside an old asylum with a killer on the loose, and ghosts out to maintain control and order... Verity, Frankie, and Ellis are on the case as they delve into the twisted history of psychiatric medicine and attempt to solve the mysterious murders of two people... In addition, Verity tries to aid the remaining ghosts locked under the control of a menacing presence reliving their deaths over and over... Angie Fox does a remarkable job of maintaining the balance between the supernatural, mystery, and humor as she traverses these ghostly encounters keeping her audience fully engaged and at times completely terrified... I loved every word in this read and am highly anticipating the next adventure with these memorable characters.
April 8, 2019
All I can say is WOW!! It's been awhile since I sat down to enjoy reading a book and ended up finishing it the same day.
Verity, her boyfriend Ellis and ghostly sidekick Frankie visit a haunted insane asylum in attempt to fnd out who killed Frankie and free him from Verity's family home. They are there to see a ghost from Frankie's past. They end up trapped inside until a murder is solved. Haunted insane asylum, power outage, no phone service, thunderstorm, and a murderer among them. Verity spends time getting to know some of the residents of Mint Julep Manor and trying to help them and get help from them to solve the murder that prevents the living guests from leaving.
Ellis and Verity's relationship continues to grow. Frankie has another lead to help gain his freedom. I can't wait to see where the next story in this series takes us next .. haunted school? hotel? museum? penitentiary? historical landmark? I thought the haunted mansion in the previous book in this series was great, this location was even better. I loved it - thank you Angie for introducing us to all these wonderful colorful characters.
Verity, her boyfriend Ellis and ghostly sidekick Frankie visit a haunted insane asylum in attempt to fnd out who killed Frankie and free him from Verity's family home. They are there to see a ghost from Frankie's past. They end up trapped inside until a murder is solved. Haunted insane asylum, power outage, no phone service, thunderstorm, and a murderer among them. Verity spends time getting to know some of the residents of Mint Julep Manor and trying to help them and get help from them to solve the murder that prevents the living guests from leaving.
Ellis and Verity's relationship continues to grow. Frankie has another lead to help gain his freedom. I can't wait to see where the next story in this series takes us next .. haunted school? hotel? museum? penitentiary? historical landmark? I thought the haunted mansion in the previous book in this series was great, this location was even better. I loved it - thank you Angie for introducing us to all these wonderful colorful characters.
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